Neutrality Is Not Always A Choice
Joshua 24:15

And if it seem evil unto you to serve the LORD, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that [were] on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.

Borrowed

I. INTRODUCTION:

A. Not taking one side over another an be helpful in some situations. For example, when helping two people to achieve a reconciliation. Or when two friends disagree over a non-essential matter.
B. However, in some cases, neutrality is not only inappropriate; its also impossible. there isn't any neutral ground. It's a matter of either/or.
C. In the Bible, we find many instances of either/or. Instances where there's no neutral position. Let's note some of these.

II. BODY:

A. We are building our lives on either the rock or the sand. Matt. 7:24-27.

1. Jesus claimed to be the foundation stone upon which all was to be built.

a. He is the chief corner stone. Matthew 21:42 Jesus saith unto them, Did ye never read in the scriptures, The stone which the builders rejected, the same is become the head of the corner: this is the Lord's doing, and it is marvellous in our eyes?
b. He is the rock upon which the kingdom is built. Matt. 16:18.

2. Every lasting structure has a solid foundation.

a. Jesus says that the storms of life will beat against the foundation he has laid and will not prevail. Heb 12:28; Dan 2:44.
b. The preaching of the gospel, lays this foundation deep and strong. Eph 2:19-22.

(1) It is through the Spirit that this foundation is laid. Eph 6:17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:
(2) The word of God is that which is planted in good and honest hearts. Luk. 8:11,15.
(3) It is the scriptures that make us what we are. 2 Tim 3:16,17.

3. Upon what do you stand?

B. We are walking down either the narrow road or the broad road. Matt. 7:13,14.

1. There is only one way of light leading to heaven. John 14:6; 1 John 1:7; Rom 8:14; 2 Thess 2:13,14.
2. This way is the way of faith (2 Cor 5:7), and since faith comes from hearing God's Word (Rom 10:17), it is the way to heaven.
3. Walking in this way is abiding in the doctrine of Christ and having God (2 John 9), which is the same way one abides in the Vine (John 15:1-9).
4. Any other way must be the way of darkness leading to destruction. Matt 15:9; Eph 5:11.

C. In our life, we are either working with Jesus or against Him. Matt 12:30: He that is not with me is against me; and he that gathereth not with me scattereth abroad.

1. The way of righteousness is working with Christ. 1 John 3:4: Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law. 5:17: All unrighteousness is sin: and there is a sin not unto death

a. Any other course of action would of necessity be evil.

2. The divine view of evil is easy to grasp, but difficult to wrestle with in contemplation of its meaning.

a. We are either with Christ or against Him, walking in the light or in darkness. No third possibility.

D. We are citizens in either the kingdom of Jesus Christ or the kingdom of darkness. Col 1:13.

1. Paul says that we are in Christ where salvation is, or separated from the common wealth of spiritual Israel. Eph 1:3; 2:11,12.
2. Again there is not a third possibility to give hope to those out side of Christ and refusing to enter in to the place of safety.

E. We are either sowing either to the flesh or to the Spirit. Gal 6:7,8.

1. There are two sources for guidance and motivation in our lives and two only: the flesh and its evil desires, or the Spirit and His cleansing guidance. Rom 6:13,16: Neither yield ye your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin: but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God. {instruments: Gr. arms, or, weapons} Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness?
2. Once again there are only two choices.

F. We will live eternally in either heaven or hell. Matt. 25:46: And these shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous into life eternal.

1. This passage teaches that we will re rewarded in the next life, for what we have done in this one. Rev 22:12: And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be. 2 Cor 5:10: For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad.

III. SUMMARY/CONCLUSION:

A. In this life, when it comes to matters of the spirit and eternal life, we cannot remain neutral.
B. Everything short of choosing to follow Jesus, is a choice to die eternally.

IV. INVITATION: